Page 69 of Tattletale

I run my hand down my face, feeling my stubble. “Speaking of toxic love… Have you heard from Cricket?”

“Yes. But actually, her assignment is loosely what I want to talk to you about. I want to put a security detail on Vienne.”

I crack my knuckles, disinterestedly. “Okay. What does that entail?”

“Someone trusted who can act as her personal security whenever she’s outside of the White House. My gut is telling me something is off. I don’t trust Gabriel, but I don’t trust Vienne either. The way she spoke about Aeon…she knows more than she’s saying.”

A big part of me thinks that Vesper’s paranoia has finally taken over. She’s seen too much, done too much. The First Lady of the United States came to us asking for help in thwarting a plan to take down the government. She wants to live and her country to stand. What other ulterior motive would she have? “Vesper, the First Lady doesn’t want to be babysat.”

“I proposed it as an increased form of protection while we are in the midst of provoking Gabriel.”

“She’ll never agree to that.”

“She’salreadyagreed to it, under one condition.”

“Being?”

“That I send you.”

“Oh, hell no. Send Linc.” I scowl.

“She specifically asked for you, Lance. My hands are tied. Perhaps, for once, use your charm for good. Spend some time with her. I’d like to know everything you can find out about Vienne.”

I give her a pointed stare. “It kind of sounds like you’re pimping me out.”

Vesper smirks. “If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck.”

“She’s married.”

“That’s never bothered you before,” Vesper shoots back. “Or should I list off the names of diplomat, mafia, and ambassador wives that have claimed to be seduced by you.”

My eyes shift. “All rumors.” I clear my throat. “And anyway, that was before—”

“Cricket?”

I nod. “I’m giving her some space, but that doesn’t mean it’s over. Eden told me to wait it out.”

Vesper exhales, folding her arms across her chest. “Well, my mind is made up. I’m going to need you to work while you wait. Vienne has your number. She’ll be contacting you when she needs you. Keep your phone on.”

“V, I really don’t want to—”

She holds up her hand, then points to the door. “That’s all, Lancelot. Thank you.” She turns her computer monitor back on.

“What are you doing?”

Her smile is mischievous. “I’m about to buy some more cookies and break a Field Scouts record.”

NINETEEN

CRICKET

There’sa loud chime from overhead that jostles me from my sleep. I open my eyes and, at first, don’t recognize my surroundings. My familiar turquoise sheets and dark purple comforter are gone. Instead, I’m lying in a California king with steel-colored sheets and a bright white duvet.

Just in case Gabriel gets a little investigative, I’m staying at The Crusader, D.C.’s most prolific 5-star hotel, instead of my condo just outside the city. The hotel is beautifully furnished with high-end finishings and every amenity I could possibly need. But the constant room service is incessant…borderline annoying. They check on guests before dinner, and after, just in case we need a bottle of water, warm linens, or maybe to bend over and have our asses licked. Seriously, this hotel is a little over-the-top with its hospitality.

It’s seven o’clock in the morning. I have nothing on my schedule today except texting Gabriel back in a couple of hours.May I sleep in for one damn day?

The doorbell sounds again, and I drag myself out of bed. From the bedroom, there’s no way housekeeping can hear me yell at them to go away.

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